‘Onchan MHK and member of the tourism section of the Department of Enterprise Rob Callister says he doesn't have confidence in Mr. Harmer on his handling of the reconstruction of Douglas promenade scheme.’ Mr Callister made his comments in an interview with Manx.Net which can be viewed HERE.
Mr Callister’s comments come after it was announced earlier this week that the work is at least 9 weeks behind schedule, in part due to problems being experienced with cracking of the new concrete track-bed for the hose tramway. Excessive noise produced by horse trams traversing the news rails is also evidently a concern.
Mr Callister is concerned on the effect the ongoing works are having on the tourism sector, notably the hotels and businesses which stretch along the effected length of Douglas Promenade.
Meanwhile Manx Radio has reported the following:
‘Prom Works Come Under Scrutiny In Tynwald’
Progress on the Douglas promenade redevelopment scheme came under scrutiny during Tynwald questions this morning. Onchan MHK Rob Callister asked the infrastructure minister for a statement on the progress of the scheme. Ray Harmer told the court significant progress had been made since his last statement in April, with the first part of the rail corridor completed and major utility replacement now underway. However, he admitted the scheme was around nine weeks behind schedule, with more changes needed than expected.”
Mr. Harmer’s comments can be heard HERE.
‘More Could Be Done For Businesses On Prom Says Minister’
The infrastructure minister admits more could be done to help businesses on Douglas promenade, which have been affected by the ongoing refurbishment works there. Ray Harmer says helping the firms based along the prom will be a cross-governmental priority as the scheme progresses. The minister's comments came after Rob Callister MHK asked him to give a statement on the progress of the refurbishment scheme in Tynwald yesterday. The minister giving evidence to a Tynwald committee on Friday, where he is likely to face further scrutiny on the issue.”
Mr. Harmer’s comments can be heard HERE.
'Claims DOI Doesn't Appreciate Impact on Businesses'
"The infrastructure minister is likely to be grilled further about the Douglas promenade redevelopment scheme when he appears before a Tynwald committee on Friday. Ray Harmer will be giving evidence, with the work on the prom likely to be high on the agenda. He faced 20 minutes of questioning about it during Tynwald yesterday (Tues 16) as well.
Chris Robertshaw is on the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee, and was one of those to challenge Mr Harmer over the scheme. He feels the DoI doesn't grasp just how much of an impact the work is having on businesses"
Former Hotelier, Mr Robertshaw MHK, comments can be heard HERE.